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T-Ball, Golf: QCH is Keeping Fit as a Family This Summer

At Quinte Children’s Homes (QCH), our main objective is to provide stable, caring homes for kids. So, it’s only natural that we’ve become something of a family ourselves. Our staff members, our parent therapists and the kids we serve are all integral members of a shared community, both at QCH and in the world around us.

This summer, QCH is sponsoring a local Quinte T-Ball team as a community activity to promote physical fitness and socialization skills. The Quinte Children’s Homes team is made up of kids ages 4 to 5 years old. “Supporting a team of children this age matches our treatment philosophy that sees physical activity as an important aspect of maintaining both physical and mental health,” says QCH Clinical Director Jeff Waplak. “The younger the kids start, the better it is in terms of establishing a healthy lifestyle,” he notes.

The team is a family affair. Waplak is the assistant coach of the team, while Parent Therapist Jarid Banks is the head coach. Both men have sons on the team, as does Program Coordinator Cara Pinchuk. The coaches and kids also benefit from the support of an 18-year-old QCH youth who is in the care of Banks and his wife Shannon. He assists in setting up practice equipment, running the drills and being an active role model for the kids.

“For the teen, the goal is to provide him with the opportunity to give back to children in the community through his time and efforts,” says Waplak. “He’s helping to teach and encourage kids to learn new skills and be active.”

Waplak points out that being involved in activities like T-Ball, which promotes physical fitness and social skills, assists in developing a child’s sense of self. “This program is an excellent match for our family-modelled treatment program, which looks to provide advancement of one’s self through opportunities for safe, structured learning experiences that help children to develop to their full potential.”

Quinte Children’s Homes provides foster care services to children throughout Ontario. Our professional parent therapists are compassionate, educated and well-compensated leaders within the foster home industry. Find out how you can join us in helping kids here.